Today we’d like to introduce you to PraisJah Woodkins.
Hi PraisJah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always had big ideas and great leadership skills. I never wanted to be put in a box like the rest of society. However, as a black woman in America, I knew that I had to work a lot harder at this than my counterparts. So I moved to the big city at 18 to attend college. I immediately began immersing myself in my interests, fashion, music, social media, and entertainment.
I’m also a professionally trained dancer. So I would say that Pop culture and media make up my world. I started interning for Fashion week and found whatever experience I could help brands with social media, events, and content creation. This led to me becoming a brand consultant for the past eight years.
But I needed something to do with all of this content and a way to express my opinion about the current state of pop culture that exceeded the means of social media. Yeah, being an influencer is fun but I wanted to do more. So that is when I decided to create the Always Prai platform. I knew that I wanted my brand to be a large media conglomerate in the future, offering several different services and branded products.
After all, The evolution of digital media and technology in addition to the growing entrepreneurial spirit of the last two generations has changed pop culture and the brand experience forever; causing diverse industries to work together as well as the people within it. So I knew there was a place for my brand. However, the biggest problem was trying to figure out my mission. How I wanted to stand out and make a difference.
So I thought long and hard about my life journey and personal experiences. And ultimately, I wanted to create more than just a media company but a resource for creatives like me to feel seen, heard, and supported. Always Prai’s mission is to highlight the attuned creatives and entrepreneur’s that drive today’s pop culture. We are a lifestyle brand!
This is the motivation behind our recently launched Empowerment Boards, our first branded product! Our Empowerment boards are a dry-erase wall planner and vision board created to help you manifest your dreams, plan for change, and hold yourself accountable throughout your journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Following your dreams is hard enough, especially when you have other life circumstances taking place beyond your control. In October 2019, My dad had to undergo major surgery to remove a brain tumor that would’ve killed him. Shortly after, The pandemic started.
A lot of us, including me, were left jobless with NYC rent to pay. I felt like I had lost everything. Despite my effort, I couldn’t find a job or anyone to take a chance on me. I was starting from scratch and my mental health was dwindling. Plus, being a bold and dignified black woman in America didn’t make it any easier to navigate.
The ‘Black Lives Matter social justice movement shined a light on inequality, making a huge difference. Personally, it has allowed me and plenty of other brands to show up unapologetically. However, there is still a lack of resources and microaggressions present.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Always Prai is currently most known for our blog, Empowerment Boards, and graphic tee collection. As I stated earlier, we are a lifestyle brand. I’ve used my interests, and experience as a consultant and lifestyle influencer to highlight my take on pop culture in my blogs. Highlighting the diversity as well as the creatives, big & small, in Fashion, Music, and Entertainment.
Our Empowerment boards are a dry-erase wall planner and vision board created to help our audience manifest their dreams, plan for change, and hold themselves accountable throughout their journey. We want individuals to be whatever it is that they want to be. And take actionable steps to achieve that. This is why “Challenge Yourself to be Yourself” is our motto.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say do what’s best for you. Don’t listen to just anyone. But to those that are advocating for your brand or that you can personally align your values. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Being vulnerable can be scary but you will find your people. Use social media and networking events as a tool. It’s there you just have to search for it.
Pricing:
- Empowerment Boards: (hardboard) $225
- Empowerment Boards: (Peel & Stick) $175
- Graphic Tee Collection: $25-$40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alwaysprai.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysprai/, https://www.instagram.com/jamaicanchink_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlwaysPrai
- Other: https://alwaysprai.com/shop/
